The NUG welcomes the grave concern about the crisis in Myanmar that was expressed by the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America in the Quadrilateral Statement of 11 February 2022.

The four powers rightly called at that time for an end to violence and for the release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained by the junta.

The same statement also demanded that Myanmar “swiftly return… to the path of democracy.”

More than three months on from this statement, the conditions of the people in Myanmar have worsened.

Violence and arbitrary arrests continue unabated. The junta is taking advantage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine to intensify its attacks across the country. Some 600,000 people have been forcibly displaced since the coup. The sufferings of Myanmar must matter to the world.

The military has no plan for a return to democracy. The legitimate wishes of the people are being ignored.

Our people do not accept the military junta. The junta lacks effective control. It has no popular consent. It treats the international community and Myanmar’s existing commitments to treaty and human rights obligations with contempt.

The Quad believes it has come of age. As Prime Minister of India His Excellency Narendra Modi has said, “The Quad… will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region.”

The people of Myanmar are therefore looking to the forthcoming meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Leaders’ Summit in Japan on 23 and 24 May to agree practical measures after fifteen months of an unwanted and unlawful coup.

We hope that the new Prime Minister of Australia, at his first meeting with fellow leaders of the Quad, will hear the voice of the Myanmar people in this time of need.

We call on the four powers to clearly state that:

1. Violence should not be tolerated
2. The perpetrators of abuses against the people of Myanmar must face justice for crimes against humanity that are being committed
3. The international community must respond strongly to Myanmar’s escalating humanitarian catastrophe, which is entirely political in origin
4. Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America will do all in their power to restrict the sales of arms and jet fuel to the junta. These are the means by which they are perpetrating their murderous campaigns
5. The people of Myanmar have the right to determine their own future, free from military oppression.

The National Unity Government calls further that the four powers of the Quad establish without delay a formal working group to develop a coordinated response to the crisis in Myanmar that will promote democracy for the people of Myanmar and security for the region.